I greet you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as the great light of God shines upon our salvation this Epiphany.
As that light is celebrated, I must share some sadness... the elimination of the Assistant to the Bishop position served ably and faithfully by the Reverend William Wong. His last day with our synod is January 21, 2012.
This decision was made entirely because of the decrease in anticipated mission support income from congregations. This four-year trend across the church is stabilizing, but it has been painful. This synod was able to manage the significant downturn in income better than most other synods. But despite our prudence and the efforts to be fair in sharing the pain with others throughout the church, this additional step was necessary. As you are already aware, we had earlier reduced our financial support of partner institutions and agencies, mission congregations, and synod staff.
The Southern Ohio Synod Council Executive Committee has provided for the care of the Wong family and continues to support the efforts of the Bishop and synod staff to implement a faithful transition of ministry and administrative responsibilities. Pastor Wong is also part of the planning and transition process that will be announced by the end of January or beginning of February 2012.
Pastor Wong has been a helpful, faithful, and effective partner in God’s mission among us. I share a sense of loss as we part from one another now, but I offer thanksgiving to God for blessing us with his partnership in the Gospel.
I urge you to pray for Bill and Linnea Wong, the Southern Ohio Synod, and the mission God provides us. These are tough times, but the church continues to serve with grace and confidence.
I urge you to encourage generosity within and beyond your congregations for the sake of God’s work among us and through us.
As the future God intends for us unfolds, let us move forward with a sense of confidence, peace, and urgency. God’s intent will be accomplished. As He does this, let us be faithful in our participation.
Glory to God.
Yours in Christ,
The Reverend Callon Holloway, Jr.
Bishop